I prefer the Bisley frame. I'ts not for fast second shots as it don't roll up in your hand, but it do seem to spread the recoil out.
Now if Ruger get up off it's behind and put a Limited 5.5".41 Bisley on the shelves, life would be good.

Shane

August 7, 2003, 09:07 PM

^I like the .41 Magnum too.

But for ME the ideal Bisley would be a 5.5" stainless Bisley (adjustable sight) chambered in .357 magnum. Of all the magnums, I use the .357 magnum the MOST and a packable adjustable sighted Bisley in that chambering would be a dream come true!

Jim March

August 8, 2003, 05:57 AM

Uhhh...you phrased the question wrong.

Later "Old Models" past...lesse, 1965 I think(?) used the same thing today's standard Blackhawks and Vaqueros use, the XR3-RED (same feel and size anyways, there were internal differences for the two different lockworks).

Early "Old Models" used the XR3, which was so close to the Colt SAA grip frame as makes no difference.

THAT is the one I'd pick. There are a couple ways to get that on a New Model; Power Custom has an SAA-type grip frame (that's also easily modified to a "Colt-based Bird's-Head" if desired) and at least one gunsmith is modifying XR3-REDs to SAA pattern.

See also:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1431

Dave T

August 8, 2003, 11:18 AM

Jim March hit on the answer. The XR-3, patterned after the SAA Colt feels the best to me. Wish it was still available as a single (less expensive) component than the Ron Power conversion. If somebody made the old XR-3 grip frame in steel, I'd buy a pile of them.

Freightman

August 8, 2003, 12:36 PM

The July AGA newsletter showed a step by step instructions on how to modify the grips on a Ruger.

Jim March

August 8, 2003, 02:43 PM

So...what exactly is "AGA"?!

J Miller

August 8, 2003, 03:31 PM

I voted "other".

My favorite is the XR3 grips found on the early Ruger single actions.
I have removed the XR3-RED grips from my Old Model's and replaced them with original XR3's I got on eBay.

I agree with Dave T, I wish someone would make a one piece XR3 shaped grip for both the OM's and NM's. I would want the casting to be modified though. I find the steel grip frames found on the Vaqeros are way to heavy. They change the ballance so much I don't like it.

Either that or Power Custom should have put the grip locater pin in the right place for original Ruger XR3 style grips.

J

YodaVader

August 8, 2003, 05:38 PM

I have shot a couple of Bisleys (357 mag and 45 LC) and liked the grip quite a bit. That said I have owned only the New Model style gripframe Blackhawks , Super BHs and a Single Six. A Bisley , probably in 357 , will hopefully be mine one of these days.

Paul "Fitz" Jones

August 8, 2003, 06:05 PM

I have provided grips for Rugers from their invention until the late 1970's when I retired. I have really tough and good feeling imitation Stag grips and only a few remaining in my collection for all Rugers OM , Trooper and Pythons and Frontiers but NOT for the Super Blackhawk, the short frame Vaquero and the Birdshead. I am selling them at a 1979 price of $25 each while they last to this list.

Ask for pics of particular models.
Fitz Pistol grips 1924-1979

Freightman

August 8, 2003, 08:36 PM

AGA! sorry I didn't put it down!American Gunsmithing Association. Get a flyer every two months with gunsmithing secerets.
I think you have to be recomended or or that was what was told me by the invitation letter.
I worked for a gunsmith for about two years and I think that is where they got my name.
They have a lot of things about revolvers in them.

stellarpod

August 9, 2003, 02:07 AM

Replaced my Vaquero grips with checkered Eagle Gunfighter Grips and have never looked back. Narrower at the top, feels more like a Colt.

http://www.eaglegrips.com/gunfighter.htm

stellarpod

Delmar

August 9, 2003, 03:13 AM

I voted for the Bisley grips mainly because the standard grips on the Vaquero are just too short for my hands-little finger is grabbing nothing but air!

caz223

August 9, 2003, 07:13 AM

My favorite is a custom Gary Reeder conversion grip.
It starts out as a bisley grip, and he rounds off the back and 'birdheads' it.
It's sweet.